Hello there.

The old Everyman theatre had over the years extracted my blood, sweat and tears, so I decided to donate something I don't need - some excess weight. I set myself a target to shed a stage weight, or 28lb, or a tad over 12.5kg in metric parlance. In the process I am determined to raise money for the new Everyman and for the great work that will go on inside when the doors open.

Perhaps you could sponsor me per lb lost or make a donation for me making the effort, or just to shut me up, because rest assured I shall be pursuing you for your cash.

To ensure fair play and no cheating on my part, there are regular weigh-ins overseen by our fundraising supremo Rowena Peers (it is not true she can be bought off with cake, although I may still be trying) and I'll update this page as we go through the six months so you can follow progress. My starting weight was, gulp, 15st 7lb.

Thank you to everyone who has encouraged me by donating. Thank you also to all those who have pledged a donation when I hit the target - here is some good news for you

To my enormous surprise and just 11 weeks and a few days into the 26 weeks allowed, I have Shed a Stage Weight! As I have more than half the time left I have increased the target to 1½ stage weights, 42lbs, or 19kg giving you the opportunity to sponsor me further and raise more lovely funding for the new Everyman.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the Liverpool Everyman and Playhouse and, this is a bit that I really like, make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. So it’s the most efficient way to donate - I raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the the Everyman and Playhouse.

So please help encourage a svelte new me and donate now.